AD 2010-24-11 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2010.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Fastener Sealant (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Seal the fasteners on the front and rear spars inside the main fuel tank and on the lower panel of the center fuel tank, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2010. Inspection and Corrective Action (h) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the wire bundle support installation in the equipment cooling system bays to identify the type of clamp installed, and determine whether the Teflon sleeve is installed. Do these actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2010. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2010. Certain Model 737-800 and 737-900 airplanes may have an additional clamp location at stringer 10 that is required to perform the steps of Figures 6, 7, 10, and 11 of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2010, in the environmental control systems (ECS) bay. Actions Accomplished Previously (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD using the group assignments with the line numbers in the table in paragraph 1.A., “Effectivity,” and in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, dated January 24, 2007; or Revision 1, dated September 25, 2008; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom Thorson, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6510; fax (425) 917-6508. Or, e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1279, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington on November 18, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-29792 Filed 11-30-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent arcing at certain fuel tank fasteners in the event of a lightning strike or fault current event, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.